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General Motors U.S. Sales Down 0.6 Percent To 249,795 Units In September 2016

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Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac dealers in the United States delivered 249,795 new vehicles in September 2016, a slight 0.6 percent decrease compared to September 2015. Cumulative sales of the Chevrolet and GMC brands decreased, while those of Cadillac and Buick increased on a year-over-year basis.

“GM again outperformed the retail industry and gained profitable market share. We continue to lead the retail truck industry and gained share in the two largest car segments,” said Kurt McNeil, GM’s vice president of U.S. sales operations. “We are achieving these results while maintaining disciplined incentive spending and commanding the industry’s best average transaction prices for any full-line manufacturer.”

In addition, GM continues to benefit from a strong U.S. economy.

“Key economic fundamentals like a strong jobs market, rising personal incomes, low fuel prices and low interest rates continue to point toward strong industry performance,” said Mustafa Mohatarem, GM’s chief economist. “We think the industry is well positioned for a continued high level of customer demand into the foreseeable future.”

Sales Summary - September 2016 - General Motors - USA

Sales

Sales Mix

Total

249,795

251,310

-0.6%

-1,515

100.0%

100.0%

0%

Sale Type

September 2016

September 2015

September 2016 / September 2015

September 2016 - September 2015

September 2016

September 2015

September 2016 - September 2015

Retail

204,449

203,895

+0.3%

+554

81.8%

81.1%

+0.7%

Fleet

45,346

47,415

-4.4%

-2,069

18.2%

18.9%

-0.7%

September 2016 sales notes and items of interest (vs. September 2015, except as noted):

Chevrolet retail sales were up 0.9 percent to 135,448 units. The brand gained 0.3 percentage points of retail share in September to 11 percent and has gained retail market share in 8 out of 9 months so far in 2016, remaining the industry’s fastest-growing full-line brand.

GMC retail sales were down 5.6 percent to 38,695 units. The brand’s sales gained momentum through the month and the brand posted its second-highest monthly average transaction price (ATP) in its history at $44,144.

Cadillac retail sales were up 4.7 percent to 13,107 units, with retail share up 0.1 percentage points driven largely by the success of the all-new XT5.

Based on initial estimates, GM’s retail market share rose 0.3 percentage points in September to 16.6 percent, the largest retail share gain of any full-line manufacturer. GM has gained retail market share in 15 of the past 18 months, dating to April 2015.

Per GM’s plan, daily rental sales were about 12 percent of GM’s total sales in September and are less than 10 percent year-to-date.

Average Transaction Prices (ATPs):

ATPs based on J.D. Power PIN estimates:

GM’s ATPs, which reflect retail transaction prices after sales incentives, were $35,804 in September, nearly $5,000 above the industry average and approximately $1,000 above last September’s performance.

GM’s incentive spending as a percentage of ATP was 13.1 percent, above the industry average of 12.6 percent, but well below other domestic and select Asian competitors who are spending near or above 15 percent of ATP.

Inventory:

September month-end inventory was 785,514 units for a 79 days supply, an increase of 42,699 units and 5 days from the 728,213 units and 74 days supply at the end of August 2016

SAAR:

GM estimates that the seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles in September was approximately 17.8 million units. On a calendar-year-to-date basis, GM estimates the light vehicle SAAR was 17.4 million units.

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42 Comments

If we think about the timing of events, it would probably be a wise conclusion that JdN is actually behind the decision to continue the XTS, with the plan to discontinue it being made prior to his arrival.

Where do you live Martin, Colorado? I know that’s probably the AWD capital of the USA, due to the freak snowstorms and delayed/non-existent plowing. But I doubt the total AWD equipped XTS percentage is anywhere near 95% throughout the USA.

Currently listed on CarMax there are 91 used XTS vehicles, 50 of which are FWD, 41 AWD. So that’s 55% FWD, 45% RWD based on that sampling of XTS inventory. When also looking at their inventory of ATS and CTS, I found:

XTS: 55% FWD, 45% AWD
ATS: 78% RWD, 22% AWD
CTS: 66% RWD, 34% AWD

This is surprising to me, because I would assume there are more gains (in terms of traction in snow) to be made in going from RWD to AWD, than FWD to AWD.

I prefer FWD but it’s possible that the XTS sells well not because of FWD as a feature, but because some people like the softer ride or larger size that it has vs. the ATS and CTS. Or for some other reason. And the ATS and CTS are somewhat similar, so one could add up those 2 and still say they have the XTS beat in terms of sales.

Interesting that AWD is so popular north of Pittsburgh. I can certainly see a use for it though, with that area. Pittsburgh is cool the way it borders the mountains and flatter lands, and especially with the mountains and snow AWD would be useful. I live north of Chicago where navigating snow is necessary, but no mountains to deal with, so I think AWD is not as in-demand here. However I’ll stick with FWD over RWD any day (yes I know RWD has some advantages on dry pavement, I don’t care because I don’t drive like I’m a NASCAR guy, and the roads here are very straight and flat for the most part).

Sorta a mixed bag of results. But its somewhat to be expected since September is a crossover month of new models slowly trickleing in. To my eyes deceive me or do I see a actual increase next to the CTS lol.

Alex… I don’t think U are going to see a huge up ATS month without some fleet dumping til the car changes names. The car is absolutely gorgeous in my opinion.. driving dynamics are magnificent, but its time to re-introduce it with a new look and a proper marketing scheme.

I don’t think we’ll see a “huge” sales volume boost on any of the current vehicles, despite their positive qualities. The good news, though, is that the Cadillac team is taking the right steps that enable structural changes that positively impact brand and retail experience, enabling the “proper” sale of the next-gen vehicles — which definitely must be even more “world-class” than the current ATS, CTS, CT6 trio.

-Camaros success in the lighting lap
-50th anniversary hype
-Incentives
-Dealers could be offering a little more off the top
-lots of inventory to choose from
-Ford is cutting fleet sales
-Mustang is 2 years old now and is losing the new must have hype.

The numbers for the Silverado and Sierra were down , but the Tahoe and Suburban are up as is the Yukon and the
Yukon XL . And Escalade sales are back up . So on the large SUV market GM is doing fairly well and these sales help the bottom line . The consumer must feel good about their finances and are buying high end SUV’s , with gas prices low and decent financing rates it’s driving sales .
Glad to see GMC Acadia sales up , the pipeline is starting to fill and that means a greater variety of models on dealership lots .
Agree with a previous post about the ATS , it’s a great car but it seems know one knows it . Time to throw some
” Dare Greatly ” ads featuring it until it gets a major refresh . With the XTS I don’t think it’s going to take alot of
money to update the IP and a redesigned front end , a cheaper CT6 in a way .
The numbers for the Impala are dissapointing though , it’s so much better than the old one and you get alot for not alot of money .
GM is in good shape going into the slower winter months .

I agree with your comment on the Impala – a fantastic car. It’s easy to see the Malibu continuing but the Impala going away at some point unless demand changes in the future.
Who would have thought there might come a day when Chevy doesn’t offer a full size sedan? It just seems to be the reality of the new marketplace.

FWD sedans are still selling…..it hasn’t changed much since the mid-1980s and I feel that it’s getting old …..I feel more emotional towards utility vehicles and with sedans they doent interest me anymore… I feel that coupes & sedans will be the thing of the past 5-10 years from now.

Not everyone wants or needs a goofy looking soccer mommy CUV or SUV. So no, the sedan market will not be dead in 10 years. To be honest we have already seen slight fluctuations in sales of SUVs from most of the car company’s wher there is a trend that shows that this could slow down.

Sure sedans are not the sellers they used to be but if company’s were to eliminate them altogether would be a grave mistake, especially if gas prices start spiking again.

In reality Rye, it will continue being a healthy mix of everything, dominated by sedans and crossovers, with coupes, convertibles, sports cars, and wagons in the minority. This will be the case today, and it will continue to be the case well into the future.

The crossover craze has balanced itself out… it’s not like CUVs will continue at a linear growth rate.

So to say things like “coupes and sedans will be the (a?) thing of the past 5-10 years from now” is a gigantic and inaccurate exaggeration and mis-interpretation.

That’s not gonna get GMC out of the red. If they’re professional grade, that should permeate everything from engineering, to design, to dealer experience, to marketing. A big margin product deserves more.

No wonder the account’s up for review. But the client team – they’re not free of blame. Sad to see how GMC has regressed.

Colorado and Canyon did very well this month with over 13000 units combined.
Ford confirmed today that they are bringing the Ranger (and Bronco) back to NA. I guess they couldn’t keep letting the GM mid-sized truck success go unchecked. FCA will follow suit soon I am sure.

Chevrolet needs to bring back the Blazer and a performance version of the Malibu and Cruze.

Not surprised with the Escalade models but good to see the CT6 gain traction and popularity. Excellent sales volume from the CTS and XTS as well. A little shock about the XT5 somewhat but anyway, go showing none the less.

Agree about Escalades, CT6, CTS and XTS but am a little concerned about the XT5. Combined of it and the SRX for YTD 2016 are below what the SRX was by itself and that was with a 6 year old model.
I am hoping it is just an inventory issue.

utility vehicles don’t have to be fat, stubby, gas pigs and if they build a Utility vehicle that has all the abilities and driving dynamics that a sedan has….they will chose the utility vehicle over a sedan.

Don’t ride as well, don’t handle as well, don’t stop as well, use more gas are generally noisier.

If they make a utility that isn’t fat, stubby and tall, the top reasons why folks buy have just disappeared. To ride and handle as well, height would have to be reduced dramatically reducing cargo space and giving a lower driver position when most cuv owners appreciate the higher driving position.

Reading your comments, one would be led to believe that there is an ongoing battle between sedans and crossovers. In reality, there is no such battle.

Instead, here is the reality: roughly 40% of the market will buy sedans and roughly another 40% will buy crossovers. Both will remain key to an automaker’s sales volume, revenue and profits. Roughly 10-20% will buy coupes and convertibles, which are more profitable but sell in smaller volumes.

Again, this is not about sedans vs. coupes. It never has been and never will be. It’s about offering a healthy mix of both.

the sedans in the 1970s-1980s handles vary poorly and they were gas pigs…but sedans of today now handles well and is better on gas….the same thing can happen the utility vehicles and I bet the new CUVs rides and handles and much more fuel efficient than the 1970s-1990s sedans….a new 2016 CUV is as fuel efficient as a 10 year old 2006 sedan and probably rides and handles better.

How many versions are there of you on here? This comment make absouluty no sense at all. In one breath your talking about sedans from the 70s and 80s which do not pertain to anything going on now, then you bring up the fact that the new CUV are more fuel efficient then cars from the 70s to 90s… Well I certainly hope they get better then 12 mpg which were average ratings from the 70s era.

And then bringing up a new CUV against an 06 sedan is also a head scratching comparison. How or why would you compare sedans from 10 to 50 years ago to sedans of today and why is that realavint to the discussion of suv vs sedan of 2016..

Rye, as Martin pointed out there are features of SUV/CUV that give them negatives vs. sedans that seemingly can’t be overcome. People like the tall driving position, but that leads to worse handling and poorer gas milage vs. a typical sedan. That’s why true “sports” cars like a Corvette or Ferrari are so low to the ground, because handling (tight steering) is best from that position. Aerodynamics also mean better gas milage for the sedan vs. the -UV. I’ve driven the Honda Accord and Honda Crosstour, basically the same car but the Crosstour is higher and tries to be a true crossover – with a more aerodynamic shape than most -UVs. The ride quality (smoothness, comfort) is actually quite good on the Crosstour, as good as the Accord, and it’s also fairly quiet (I think they use noise-canceling, like in the Buick Encore). But the handling is not as good with the Crosstour vs. Accord, and the milage is 5 mpg worse vs. the Accord. And the storage space is compromised by the aerodynamic shape, I think milage would be even worse if they gave it a more typical -UV shape (like a Jeep SUV). As far as ride quality in most -UVs though, if they are designed to carry heavy cargo they tend to have a more truck-like ride. And “riding like a truck” is the opposite of a smooth, soft ride; believe me I know, having ridden in a truck cab recently.

I don’t think these engineering challenges can be overcome by time. Just as a low-to-the-ground car like the Corvette will always have advantages over other cars, the -UVs will have disadvantages vs. other cars. Now you could design a perfectly good sedan and give it a liftgate, like the proposed design for the Escala. A liftgate would give the sedan some of the advantages of an SUV, while keeping the sedan dynamics. I had a 1987 Chrysler GTS (turbo, digital dash, leather) that looked like a sedan and had the driving dynamics of a sedan, but the utility of a liftgate (the Dodge Lancer of that era was essentially the same design, though less “luxury”). That’s one way to get a “crossover”, but it doesn’t give the high driving position of today’s -UVs or the large/heavy carrying capacity.

Unfortunately in the US there is a bias against mid/large cars with liftgates, as people associate these with cheap hatchbacks. Even though they will pay huge prices for SUVs. The Tesla Model S, Audi A7, etc. liftgates might slowly be getting Americans to accept this type of design, and the Escala (if built as in the concept) might continue the acceptance. A liftgate combined with flip-down rear seats gives the “sedan” a wide opening for large cargo with a decent amount of cargo volume compared with a typical sedan trunk. That’s about as far as you can go to combine a little of the utility of a -UV with sedan styling and driving dynamics. But to have the high riding position and heavy/large load capacity of a true -UV, you will get trade-offs in other areas such as handling, miles/gallon, ride quality, and “stubbiness” look.

I feel more love for utility vehicles than sedans….and sedans have gone small and unattractive….sedans arnt as what they used to be, big and stylsh and the auto industry seems to be stuck in the past with there sedans and not trying something toltly new and Revolotionary.

There is a wide variety of SUV models today that go from very truck like to very car like.

The undisputed fact is this is the fastest growing segment in the market. Automakers need to mine the money here to survive and it has driven even companies like Porsche and Bentley to move into the segment with great profitable results.

Now I am all for the cars and making them better but the market is buying more and more SUV models and that is where it is all going at least in America and even now it is growing in Europe.

The smaller vehicles benefit with the packaging as the taller two box design makes the interior more roomy and vestal than most smaller cars.

My wife converted to a CUV because she likes the ability to be able to haul things she never could in her GTP or SSEI.

Right now most companies are looking for the true Hybrid of a car and SUV that would fit either segment. Some have done ok and others have failed as they were never enough car or SUV to make either party happy.

We will see more come and many will fail but someone will hit the right combo and take this to the next level.

Cadillac and GM will see many profits and increase in volume with the added SUV and CUV models.

The piss and moan comments are in response to the constant pissing and moaning from Rye that sedans will be and should be gone in the near future becuase everyone and their brother will want a SUV or CUV. We all know suvs and crossovers are selling good and are a fast growing segment. This also could be a temporary fad as no one for sure knows what gas prices will be like and if they hike up again peoples lifestyles will be altered and that will also alter sales of utility vehicles in general.